Network Rail are pleased to be working in partnership with the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and Southern Water to recycle rainwater for use by station volunteer partners at West Worthing.
Southern Water have kindly donated a water butt and the installation of it free of charge. It was installed last week on Network Rail land at the station to enable volunteers to harvest rain water to maintain the community gardens.
This is the second station on the Sussex Coast Line to benefit from this joint initiative. In March 2020, Angmering station received a Southern Water butt, installed by GTR contractors, with approval from Network Rail to connect it under the footbridge.
Rowena Tyler, Community Development Officer at South East Communities Rail Partnership said: “Working with the Friends of West Worthing Group, we identified a secure area where rainwater could be captured and used by the volunteers to maintain their garden. I was delighted with the supportive attitude from Network Rail which meant we could accept the generous offer from Southern Water who donated and arranged installation for free. This is a great example of partnership working to achieve Community Rail objectives.”
Sharon Willis, director of communications, Southern region at Network Rail said: “This is a great initiative and one that we’re committed to continuing across the Southern region in partnership with our community groups and Southern Water. We are not just here as an organisation to improve and invest in our infrastructure, equally we’re here to make a positive difference at the heart of the communities we serve.”
Barbara Hine, on behalf of the Friends of West Worthing, said: “Our group at West Worthing is very pleased to have rain water available for the garden at the station. We appreciate the support from both Network Rail and Southern Water with this project and that we are able to be as eco-friendly as possible.”
Improving the environment is vital to make sure that we bring every person with us as we manage and maintain the railway. Our new strategy, Sustainable Southern will do just do that – our vision is simple: to create a cleaner, greener, socially responsible region.
Our plan incorporates six key programmes and strives to reduce energy consumption, carbon and waste, to improve air quality, and to protect our wildlife and nature. We want to leave a beneficial and lasting railway legacy for our people, our passengers and the communities.
If your community group have an idea or project that you’d like to get started involving Network Rail – get in touch at southernregionstakeholders@networkrail.co.uk or via Southeast Communities Rail Partnership at info@southeastcrp.org
